Conversion therapy arose, perhaps in a well-meaning way, from a particular interpretation of scripture by religious people, and NOT based on any scientific studies.  That alone is reason enough to reject the practice, as in America we believe in the separation of church and state.  Just because it involves a "closely held belief" that homosexuality is "wrong" is entirely irrelevant, or should be, to legislative bodies.  But if that is not enough, the American Psychological Association removed homosexuality from its list of psychological disorders decades ago.  But if that is not enough, consider the essential "message" of conversion therapy:  You are sinful, and you will go to hell if you do not change your greatest sense of who you are, namely, how you love.  The "patient" has already faced familial rejection, or he wouldn't have shown up at all.  Now he meets "professional rejection" for simply existing.  The methods are cruel, but the message itself is the cruelest if all:  you are unloveable unless you change, and the one who hates you most is God.  This is child abuse, pure and simple.  Parents who protest that the "therapy" should be a private family matter, are quoting the same complaint as physical child abusers:  it's my child, and I'll raise him as I see fit.  Well, no, you will not, if your "style" is cruelty of any kind.  You don't have the right to drive your sweet, loving, kind child to despair.  If you do, his suicide will be on your hands.  Think long and hard parents, pastors, and non-boat-rockers.  If LOVE is not at the core of your religion, please....find a different religion, or denomination, or accountability group.  There are so many loving ones out there, believe it or not!  A parent's rejection is the unkindest cut of all.  Do your job, and do it well.